A Showcase of an Artist and Former CJ Popular Music Scholarship Recipient, Supported by the CJ Cultural Foundation
After approximately seven years of studying and performing in Europe, pianist Daeyeon Shin will hold his first homecoming concert at 7 PM on Saturday, July 15th, at CJ Azit Gwangheungchang, near Gwangheungchang Station in Mapo-gu. Before moving to Europe,Daeyeon Shin, who earned his bachelor’s degree in jazz piano from the Rotterdam Conservatory and his master’s degree from the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, had already shown his talent and potential in Korea. He was selected as a CJ Popular Music Scholar with the support of the CJ Cultural Foundation.
In Europe, Daeyeon Shin was recognized for his abilities as both a composer/arranger and a pianist. He achieved second place in the Leiden Jazz Competition and the International Jazz Competition, and he performed at the renowned North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. In 2020, he released his first EP, ‘Invisible Things’, and in 2021, he signed with the Dutch label O.A.P. Records to release his second album and first full-length album, ‘The Stranger’. Although he has had limited opportunities to introduce his music in Korea, this concert presents a special chance for Daeyeon Shin to showcase his musical world to the Korean audience after seven years abroad.
This concert, supported by the CJ Cultural Foundation, will be held at CJ Azit Gwangheungchang. It is an opportunity to experience the original music and emotional performances of a young pianist in his 20s, who is beginning a new chapter in his career as an artist in Korea. The concert is highly anticipated, as it is expected to enrich the Korean jazz scene with the fresh and emotional music of this young pianist.
Having studied under the popular pianist Rob van Bavel, Daeyeon’s performances reveal the essence and influence of ‘European jazz’ as we commonly know it. His music is lyrical yet dynamic, featuring team play that omits typical elements of American jazz, such as swing and rhythmic patterns, but presents melodies and colors that stand out more vividly. His compositions are reminiscent of modern art, embracing vibrant colors and flexible forms.
Pianist Daeyeon Shin showcased his talent early on through his compositions, winning the gold prize in the composition category at the Kyunghyang Music competition and being selected as a composer by Naver Grafolio. The emotional depth of his compositions is what makes his music so intriguing. In this concert, he plans to introduce four of his original compositions from his two albums released so far. These intellectual and emotional melodies, which can be compared with works by composers he admires, such as Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea, are expected to tell a solid narrative.
The musicians performing alongside Daeyeon Shin are all in their mid-to-late 20s, making this collaboration refreshing. Bassist Jae-heon Lee, who was selected as a Jazz People Rising Star this year, and drummer Seok-hyun Lee, who has already played with prominent pianists such as Seok-cheol Yoon and Sun-ji Lee, are expected to deliver mature and technically outstanding performances despite their young age.
“It’s rare to have the opportunity to hear performances by musicians in their 20s in a concert hall setting rather than in a jazz club. If you are curious about the future of Korean jazz and the next steps of this young composer and performer who is just beginning to bloom, Daeyeon Shin's concert might offer some hints or evidence. This concert, recommended by the jazz-specialized planning company Jazz Bridge Company, will undoubtedly showcase the potential and possibilities of a more diverse and profound Korean jazz scene,” said PD Kim Hyun-jong.
